Geelong is about to approve an updated verge garden policy. Still nothing on the Gold Coast but go along to Botanical Bazaar this weekend to keep in touch with progress.
City of Greater Geelong is in the process of releasing updated verge garden guidelines. The current policy is very restrictive and remains current and enforceable until the new guidelines are approved.
This is a reminder that there is still a lot of uncertainty and change around verge gardening. Policies are reviewed regularly and restrictive policies may be relaxed as councils become more confident that residents will comply. On the other hand, more restrictions are likely to be added as a result of complaints and disputes about non-compliant verge gardening.
A couple of points to note that might be useful for others drafting guidelines:
This guideline only applies to nature strips on City of Greater Geelong managed roads, and not State managed roads.(p6)
The resident should confirm with their insurer if they have adequate Public Liability insurance to allow for any claims that may arise as a result of any modification or landscaping on the nature strip. (p9)
Residents are reminded that planting a nature strip garden is at their own risk, and they are responsible for its maintenance and safety. (p24)
Gold Coast
Verge gardening is still banned on the Gold Coast in Queensland. If you’re local and want to work with others to change that, connect with the Gold Coast Climate Action Network (GCCAN) at the Botanical Bazaar Gardening and Sustainable Living Festival this weekend.
“Community making a difference”
Come along to the Botanical Bazaar festival this August 3-4, 2024 and find the climate action hub for a showcase of ideas and local climate action.
Find out where you could make a difference for our communities and nature, in ways that suit you. Check out our demos and learn about the various welcoming groups who are part of the Gold Coast Climate Action Network and how we all contribute to positive climate futures and solutions.
Chat with our local leaders in a Q&A panel on Sunday or join a 30-minute workshop “Creating positive futures together” for visionary and practical conversations about a future Gold Coast full of possibilities and explore many ways to get there together.
You can’t miss our huge display in The Meadow at Botanical Bazaar. Get your festival tickets via the links below!
All the policies that I know of are listed on the website here. Every policy is different so it is essential that you check your local council and work within their boundaries.
Policies also change. These listings are checked and updated each year. Please let me know in the comments if I’ve missed yours.
It’s good to see improvements being made in this space, even if incremental.